East Anglia Prepares for Drought
By Munro, Glen
Growers in East Anglia are preparing to avoid the repercussions of drought during a year that is predicted to be one of the hottest on record.
After last year’s lack of rainfall, growers in the historically dry region are taking precautions to ensure they are not caught out.
The need to plan ahead was stressed at three meetings organised by the NFU in East Anglia, featuring speakers from Anglian Water and the Environment Agency.
NFU regional environmental adviser Paul Hammett said the meetings provided growers with the latest information on irrigation prospects and the impact climate change could have in the long term.
Outlining some of the practical preparations that are being made for a possible drought. NFU regional representative Brian Finnertysaid: “A lot of farmers are investigating the best use of water available and have participated in irrigation demonstrations. Our growers are building on their experiences from last year’s drought.”
Farm manager Lindsay Hargreaves of Elveden Farms in Norfolk is a member of Lark Abstractor Group, which represents approximately 70 growers and farmers. He believes the group has improved communication with the NFU and Environment Agency, with good results.
He said: “We are a lot more aware if a drought is approaching and consequently can schedule the amount of water specific crops need. We are far more careful with our water resources. We are also investing in new technology and trying to tackle some of the long- term issues, including securing access to water from winter storage sites.”
According to Met Office experts, this year is likely to be the warmest year on record globally, topping the long-term average of 14C.
Irrigation: fermas need to take action to avoid suffering in expected drought
Copyright Haymarket Business Publications Ltd. Feb 22, 2007
(c) 2007 Horticulture Week. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.